Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components in your vehicle.. That's why regular inspections are so important. Here are the belt and hose types in your vehicle, along with their applications.

Alternator

Water Pump for engine cooling

Power Steering Pump

Air Conditioning Compressor

Radiator Cooling Fan

Many late model vehicles use a single serpentine belt in place of individual belts to drive these accessories.

Radiator and Heater Hoses - These hoses convey coolant to the engine and heater core.

Fuel Hose - As the name implies, this hose transports gasoline from the tank to the engine.

Power Steering Hose - It connects the power steering pump to the steering gear.

Brakes are one of the most important safety features that your vehicle offers. Brakes should be inspected frequently to ensure the safety of both you and your passengers. Squeaking is not the only sign that your brakes may need replacement. Grinding, vibration when braking, a squishy feel when you push your brake pedal down, or your vehicle pulling to one direction when braking. Frequent requests for brake inspections to look for issues with uneven pad wear or rotors that need turning quicker than pad replacement is needed is a good way to make sure that your vehicle has the optimum ability to brake when you need it most. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please bring your vehicle in as soon as possible so we can inspect and recommend any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

Your vehicle's engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today's vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems, to curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. With technically-advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune-ups are also a thing of the past. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle's control computer. Our trained technicians are here to provide these basic services.

A network of sensors and switches convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals. The computer receives this information, and, based on information and instructions coded within this computer program, commands are sent to three different systems: ignition, fuel, and emission control. Whenever a problem arises (as seen by that nagging "check engine" light), our techs check whatever command is prompted, in addition to the status of your engine control computer and sensors. That way you'll know if your vehicle's performance is caused by a real problem, or just a sensor/computer issue.

Vehicle sensory components:

Mass airflow sensor

Throttle position sensor

Manifold absolute pressure sensor

Coolant temperature sensor

Exhaust oxygen sensor

Crankshaft position sensor

Camshaft position sensor

Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Visual Inspection

Interior controls and blower

Radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat

The A/C compressor belt for condition and tension

Leaks or other damage

Component condition, leaks or damage

Heating and Air Conditioning Tests

Pressure test engine cooling system

A/C system pressures are measured and compared to manufacturer's specifications

A/C system is leak tested

Both the heater and A/C are performance tested by checking the outlet air temperature at the discharge vents

Your vehicle's axle must bear the weight of your vehicle (plus any cargo) and the acceleration forces between you and the ground. So when it comes to axle inspection, we are your source for professional, knowledgeable service-essential for the equipment that carries you and your family to wherever you need to go.

A drive axle is one that is driven by the engine. A drive axle is split between two half axles, with differential and universal s between them. Each half axle is connected to the wheel by a third joint-the constant velocity (CV) joint-that allows the wheels to move freely. This joint allows the shaft to rotate, transmitting power at a constant speed without a significant increase in friction and heat. CV joints are usually dependable, but, as is the case for all of your vehicle's moving equipment, they do require regular inspection. An easy way for you to tell if you need to see us for axle repair is to go out to a large space (such as a parking lot), and slowly drive in tight circles. If you hear a clicking or cracking noise, you have a worn joint, and it must be repaired immediately.

We will have you back on the road, "click-free" in no time!

Description: A program designed to periodically check vehicle emissions to ensure they are within limits. Often referred to as an I/M (Inspection/Maintenance) program, they are used in numerous states and areas as required by the Environmental Protection Agency to improve air quality in those areas. Although the requirement comes from the federal government, states and their associated agencies have some flexibility in the type of test used, vehicle populations to be tested and other program-specific details. Some states run centralized programs that have state-contracted test stations exclusively dedicated to testing. Other states run decentralized programs, where emissions can be tested at local repair facilities. In a few cases, states may run "hybrid" programs using both centralized and decentralized test stations. The latest trend is to incorporate the use of second-generation onboard diagnostics (OBDII) into these programs, in many cases altogether eliminating the need for tailpipe emissions tests.

Purpose: I/M programs evaluate the emissions from vehicles and single out those that are polluting beyond the limits established for certain model years of vehicles. Aside from identifying vehicles with high emissions, such programs advocate proper maintenance to prevent high emissions due to maintenance neglect.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: The best way to keep your vehicle environmentally friendly is by performing regularly scheduled maintenance, rather than waiting to correct a problem after your vehicle fails an emissions test. If the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light appears, have it checked out immediately by a professional technician. Neglecting these warning signs can cause or lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.

Content provided by Car Care Alliance

Your exhaust system is more than a muffler. It is a series of pipes that run under your vehicle, connected to your muffler and catalytic converter. The main function of your exhaust system is to control noise and to funnel exhaust fumes away from passengers. A vehicle''s exhaust system routes waste gases from the engine to the rear of the vehicle, where they are discharged into the atmosphere. Exhaust gases contain dangerous substances such as carbon monoxide, which can be hazardous if allowed to flow into the passenger housing of the vehicle. The exhaust system also converts pollutants into less harmful byproducts, reduces the noise of the engine, and directs exhaust gases so they can be used to heat air and fuel before they go into the engine's cylinders to be burned. Finally, the exhaust system provides just the right amount of backpressure into the engine to improve its fuel-burning efficiency and increase performance. Key components of your exhaust system include:

Exhaust Pipes

Exhaust Manifold

Catalytic Converter

Muffler

Resonator

Tail Pipe

If you are experiencing rough idle, stalling, poor acceleration, lower fuel economy or high emissions levels, then a Fuel Injection Service could help your vehicle's performance. Fuel injectors can clog when deposits build up over time. The type of gas can also contribute to this concern. The EPA requires specific detergents be added to our fuel to prevent widespread issues of carbon deposits building up in the system, but often lower priced brands use the minimum amounts of these detergents and can cause problems. This is one of the main reasons certain manufacturers recommend specific gasoline for their vehicles, to maintain better performance over a longer period of time.